The 7 Golden Rules of Facial Care
By Ariana Vincent, Massage Therapist & Instructor
How marvelous it is to look in the mirror and see a healthy, radiant glow emanating from your reflection. The secrets to a vibrant complexion lie in the golden rules of facial care. They include (1) focusing on proper skin care (cleanse, tone, moisturize topically, massage and protect), (2) enhancing proper circulation, (3) enjoying adequate sleep, (4) following a nutritious diet and taking supplements, (5) avoiding toxins, (6) keeping negative stressors to a minimum, and (7) receiving regular facial massage sessions. These are key ingredients for maintaining a vibrant, glowing complexion.
What is the protocol that is followed during a stress relief facial massage? To begin the session, your massage therapist discusses your treatment goals with you and then proceeds to cleanse; tone; exfoliate; apply hydrating lotion; stimulate acupressure points; and massage your décolleté, neck, chin, jaws, around your mouth, cheeks, nose, around your eyes, temples, eyebrows, forehead, and ears. Next the massage therapist applies a purifying and hydrating facial mask and then places a warm, moist towel on your face. Once the purifying and hydrating effects of the mask are complete, the massage therapist removes the facial mask and then moisturizes and mists your face. The session concludes with a light tapping with the fingertips (“raindrops”) to stimulate circulation. Your skin will feel smooth as silk!You will feel rejuvenated, relaxed and revitalized.
PHYSICAL BENEFITS - Facial massage reduces the appearance of fine lines, puffiness, dark circles and wrinkles; relaxes the face; calms the nervous system; diminishes tension headaches; stimulates circulation; assists in reducing sinus congestion; helps the skin absorb hydrating lotions; accelerates the lymphatic flow; and nourishes, hydrates, detoxifies, and tones the skin.
MENTAL BENEFITS - Facial massage assists in mental relaxation; enhances the capacity for calm thinking; and redirects the focus of attention from stress and worry to relaxation, rejuvenation, and refreshment. Excess cortisol created by stress harms collagen and elastin production, thus making stress one of the major causes of premature aging.
What are the benefits of receiving facial massage as part of your self-nurturing and ongoing well-being? The benefits are three-fold: physical, mental, and emotional.
EMOTIONAL BENEFITS - Facial massage calms emotional activity and contributes to a feeling of relaxation. It creates a feeling of well-being, reduces levels of anxiety, restores energy by stimulating blood flow, increases awareness of the mind-body connection, and satisfies the need for caring and nurturing touch.
What can you do to maintain healthy skin in-between facial massage sessions? It is essential to give your skin daily attention. Suggestions for nurturing self-care between facial massage sessions include: drinking more pure water (think of it as moisturizing your skin from the inside out); using sun protection; managing stress; scheduling sufficient sleep; easing up on alcohol, caffeine and sugar; eating a well balanced diet; taking daily supplements; exercising regularly; eliminating smoking; changing your pillowcase often; avoiding touching your face; and cleansing your face before going to bed.
Caring for your skin properly at home by providing a daily dose of tender loving care is one of the most important things you can do for more radiant skin. Empower yourself by taking charge of your own at-home skin care routine. Begin your day by cleansing, toning, hydrating, massaging, and applying sunscreen. Conclude your day by cleansing, toning, hydrating (with a richer night moisturizer) and massaging your face utilizing techniques you learned during your facial massage session.
It is never too late to undo some of the damage that happens over time. Our resilient skin can be amazingly forgiving. You can enjoy a vibrant, glowing complexion by consciously choosing to participate in healthy life-style choices, including regular facial massage, which will result in radiant inner and outer luminosity.
Ariana Vincent is a Registered Massage Therapist and a Certified Massage Therapy Instructor based in Austin, Texas. She is available to teach and practice nationally and internationally.
Ariana Vincent, RMT, MTI
Ariana Vincent Massage Therapy
POB 684036
Austin, TX 78768
512.921.9319
avincent1@austin.rr.com
www.arianavincent.com
This article was posted by Ariana Vincent
